Castro Valley High School’s award-winning student newspaper. We are born to seek the truth!

Entertainment

Share Laughter with “Def Comedy Jam 25”

Name something that’s unapologetically funny, raw, vulgar and black. Def Comedy Jam comes to mind, huh? Earlier this week, Netflix added a new special to its list of programs, “Def Comedy Jam 25.”

Russell Simmons founded Def Comedy Jam with Stan Lathan in 1992 because he knew that the urban community needed a comedic relief. The 80s and 90s were flooded with police brutality, riots and the outbreak of AIDS.  Def Comedy Jam gave black comedians their big break into the industry and their own platform. Def Comedy Jam was fearless and boundless.

This Netflix special celebrates 25 years of Def Jam. It was a great event. The original Def Comedy Jam DJ, Kid Cupri, worked the event and the cameos were amazing. Huge stars showed up to support Def Comedy Jam. Dave Chappelle, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Martin Lawrence, Tiffany Haddish, JB Smooth, D.L Hughley, Bill Bellamy, Eddie Griffith, Melanie Comarcho, Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Katt Williams, Deon Cole and, the Queen of Def Jam, Adele Givens, attended the event. Many other comedians like, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Ice Cube and Trevor Noah, showed their support and appreciation by sending video messages to the show.

The audience could not stop laughing. Comedians roasted the audience and took jabs at Donald Trump, R. Kelly, and even the Charlottesville riots. The night was filled with flashbacks from previous shows, from old catch phrases, dancing, celebrity cameos, Michael Jackson impressions and unforgettable moments. There was a tribute to the female comedians of Def Comedy Jam, the comedians that passed away, and even a tribute to the overlooked white comedians like Honest Jon, Richard Vos and Dave Tulis.

The special was absolutely spectacular. It was great seeing old school comedians relive their prime. The event really was a blast from the past and I enjoyed every minute of it!